Title: TBWLTBPK
Chapter: "When Light Turns to Darkness"
Or "It Begins."
Disclaimer: Besides this amazing plot and the plots of its seven sequels, nothing belongs to me...wait no I lied. Adrian is my creation (who will eventually get his own spin off fic, with the story of his creation but a different ending than the one here) and Orpheus half belongs to me. You won't figure out how that is possible until Harry Potter and the Master of the Inbetween. Well, there's a clue, next chapter up Friday if anyone can guess how it is I half own Orpheus.
A/N Hey, wow it has been a long time since I have updated hasn't it? Well fear not for I am back! The chapter title is a parody of It Ends Tonight, see instead of Darkness turning to light and it ending, the light is becoming dark, because, well, it's the beginning. :D D,: yeah, I am not funny. So enjoy.
"How can you be sure this is true?" Faust looked up at Kidd. "You have no proof. Your father could be human; your mother could have really abandoned you."
"You think I'm making this up." Faust stated plainly.
"No. I think your mind is making it up."
"What?" Faust asked fearfully.
"Your mind has been playing tricks on you Lock. Everything I just said was a lie." Kidd smirked.
"You're lying!" Faust shouted, standing from his chair. "I am not human!" Kidd did not flinch.
"Prove it!" Kidd shouted back. "See if I believe you!" Faust fell into his mind, eyes glowing red. The nails on his hands grew thicker and sharper. Large, blackened horns sprouted from his forehead. Rows, upon rows of teeth appeared in mouth. Leathery brown wings ripped from his back, towering over him. A sickening cry left the beast's mouth. Kidd calmly wiped the stands of saliva off his face. Faust turned back and began to cry, clutching his knees to his chest.
"Please don't tell Barrel. Please, he's the only friend I have." Kidd took pity on Faust and nodded. "I wish I could find my father, and then maybe I could find out more about my mother."
"There is no use mourning the loss of one you did not know." Faust uncurled himself and towered over Kidd.
"How could you say that? She was my mother!" A whispered voice filled the room, before dissipating. Faust collapsed to the floor, heartbroken, and longing for death. "Kill me."
"No. We need to discuss Prince Potter's form. Jack told me you would be the right guy to ask."
"If I help you, would you kill me as payment?" Faust asked from his position on the floor.
"The answer is still no."
"I thought you would say that. Very well I will help you, but never expect to see me after this." Kidd inclined his head.
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Madame Pomfrey returned and moved directly to Orpheus. The boy studied her with apprehension as she drew her wand, and began to scan him. She made a slight noise of surprise before she scurried off. Harry waited until she was out of sight before switching Sights. Black replaced red as he stared at Orpheus. Orange magic swirled around he boy, lashing out at any magical signature that got too close, and slowing eating away at the core. Harry looked up into where Orpheus's eyes would be. They were a fiery green flame that beckoned magic closer to the orange destroyer, however now they seemed to be covered by a thin layer of blue. The orange mass moved closer and Harry reacted instinctively, placing his hands in front of him and sending out a wave of silver sparks. The orange retreated, and Harry converted his eyes to see in normal Sight once more. A snarling black jaguar crouched between him and Orpheus, tail swishing back and forth in anticipation. It was then that Harry realized that his hand was poised over the jaguar, as if he were commanding it as a puppet master does his puppet. The jaguar and Orpheus were locked in a staring match, red eyes pitted against beckoning green. Harry clenched his fist and the jaguar dissolved into smoke, returning to him.
"You are killing yourself. Let me help you." Harry said softly. Orpheus glared.
"I need no one's help. I will solve this problem myself." Adrian reappeared and sat down at the foot of Harry's bed. He calmly set down the figurine. Harry grabbed it and stared at it for a long time before placing it in his pocket.
"Thank you Adrian." Adrian smiled and glided over to Draco's bed to speak with the cursed boy.
"I am going to help you." Harry responded, grasping the orange magic without Orpheus's knowledge.
"I told you, I will solve this problem on my own." Harry smiled.
"The problem is already fixed." A large pulsating orange ball was present in Harry's hand. "Step over here. I need to push this into your forehead." Orpheus stepped forward. Harry carefully inserted the magic into the boy as Madame Pomfrey returned.
"Mr. Potter, what are you doing?" She asked curiously.
"I'm fixing a problem ma'am. Your patient is no longer dying." Madame Pomfrey whipped out her wand and recast the spells from earlier. The results surprised her, and she glanced at Harry. She subtly cast the same spell on the boy, to learn that his power had increased again, and that his wounds were completely healed. "May we leave now? I am sure Orpheus is eager to explore the school."
"I suppose, but do try not to hurt yourself." Harry saluted the Nurse and grabbed Orpheus wrist, dragging him out of the Infirmary. Once outside Harry released Orpheus and turned a hateful glare on him.
"Who are you?"
"I'm Orpheus Dragic; didn't we already go over this?"
"No, who are you really?" Orpheus froze then swung a blade at Harry's neck. Adrian shadowed in and pushed Harry out of the way. Adrian growled low in his throat, red eyes burning a little brighter. Orpheus gave a battle cry and began to swing his sword like mad, his actions a blur. Adrian sidestepped ever attack, anger increasing. Orpheus hesitated, and that was the only opening that Adrian needed. His arm shot out and her grabbed Orpheus by the neck. He lifted the boy off the ground, squeezing his hand tighter around the boy's throat. Orpheus's sword clattered to the floor as he tried to pry the black hand off him. Adrian grinned, revealing razor sharp teeth. "Adrian, put him down." Adrian turned his head 180 degrees and gave a loud hiss, acting like the monster he truly was. Harry felt power well up in him and he released it, aiming for Adrian. Adrian raised his other hand and deflected it. "I said, put him down." Harry growled, matching his counterparts' anger. Orpheus landed a kick and felt the pressure around his neck fall away. He landed in a crouch, grabbing a knife from his belt. He studied his opponent. He was crackling with silver energy, completely unaware of him. Orpheus charged driving the knife into Adrian's back. Orpheus gave a victory laugh, which quickly turned into a cry of panic. Adrian gave a chilling laugh, trendils of ink consuming the knife and crawling up Orpheus's arm. Harry stood a few feet away watching. Was this truly who he could have become? His other half was an animal, perhaps even a monster. Would he have killed the boy, giving in to temptations?
"Help! Please help me! I don't want to die!" Harry snapped out of his thoughts and walked towards Adrian. Adrian glared down at him, snarling. Harry stopped in front of him and placed a hand on his shoulder. Adrian ceased his glaring to stare at the hand.
"Let him go Adrian." A mangled no, passed Adrian's lips. "Yes. Please Adrian, you are scaring me. I do not like this." Adrian released Orpheus and embraced Harry, eyes dimming.
"I'm sorry." He sobbed. Harry sighed and wrapped his arms around Adrian.
"I know."
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Hermione gazed down at her arm, relieved to see unmarred skin. She was unsure of what to do next, for she had mixed feelings. On one hand, she wished to solve the mystery of the Cerberus, while on the other she wished to delve deeper into the maze of Halloween. The bushy-haired girl sighed, and figured she might as well do both. Hermione grabbed a parchment and quill from the bag that had been conveniently placed at her side. She began to write down everything she knew about the going-ons that had occurred lately. She wrote about finding the Cerberus on the third floor, and her speculation as to why it was hidden in plain sight.
...whatever is behind that door must be incredibly valuable, or incredibly powerful. However, the Cerberus must have some weakness, which brings up the importance of its guarding. Are there more guardians beyond the trapdoor? How did they get such a creature into the school without the students' knowledge? Unless it was placed there during summer recess, there is no charm powerful enough to conceal the transportation of that beast into the school. Perhaps I should ask Hagrid, Ron told me he was very knowledgeable about dragons, maybe he knows about the other creatures as well.
Hermione paused and looked at her writings. There was something more to this, something unsettling.
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Draco stared at the ceiling, breathing heavily. He could feel the beast urge him to leave the confines of the Infirmary, to run rampant, to cause chaos. He had never wanted anything like this to happen. He should have stayed away, as his father had warned. It was the reason his father had not forced him to learn the Dark Arts, for fear of bringing on the curse prematurely. The curse was unbreakable, and had run through the Black Family for centuries, even multiple millennia. It had begun with the ancient peoples mating with those that had been created by the most powerful sorceress of the time. Their children had been born normal until they hit the teenage years everything was fine. However, once a teenager, the heavenly beast would emerge, consuming their mind until one could not even remember their name. The children who were not touched by the curse, were thought to be saved, the curse banished from their lines. However, it continued to emerge throughout the generations, beasts now a regular family member. The introduction of magic to the bloodline slowly helped, until we were able to live at peace within our body and minds, split between magic and creature. The Blacks had been furthered helped by a demon master, who agreed to limit the curse to one child per generation, in exchange for every Black's soul once they passed on. Draco closed his eyes in defeat. How could he be foolish enough to believe he would not be cursed? He was the only child of the generation thus far, and even if another had been born, his chances stood greater for being the oldest.
Of course, other families had been cursed, but have no restraints as to how many will be touched by it. There was an academy for each class of Vila, or there had been, until certain classes became less frequent. Researchers had taken that as a sign that the curse was fading out, soon to be purged from the bloodline. He hoped it was true.
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Bellatrix paced her chambers, hair flying in every direction. She sincerely hoped that Orpheus would complete the job in time, for she had no idea of which unspeakable horrors her Master would bestow upon her if he found she had failed. Her pacing stopped as a loud howl floated through the door way to her left. Bellatrix smiled and grabbed her wand. Flinging open the black door, she walked down the steps at a slow deliberate pace. The creatures below stopped their movements, and noise, fearful of being chosen for interrogation. As she passed, Bella rapped her wand along the bars of their cages. She stopped in front a large birdcage with a single raven. It cocked its head and gave a loud caw. Bellatrix rolled her eyes and shot a spell at the raven. It turned into a tall man with a yellow suit and a bowler hat.
"You conniving wench! Release us at once!" he shouted. Bellatrix gave a high-pitched cackle.
"You truly are foolish, Gate Keeper." The gatekeeper glared. Bellatrix glared back. "Give me the key, and I will release you." The gatekeeper curled his hand around the purple key that hung about his neck by an orange chain. Bellatrix smiled in anticipation.
"Never." Bellatrix gave a shout of anger, her curls turning from brown to black. Shadows filled the room, grabbing hungrily at Raven the gatekeeper. Bella's hair lifted from her head, turning into deadly tipped weapons.
"When darkness comes, know that I won't be far behind it." Bella vowed as she released the gatekeeper. "Now fly away, Raven, and enjoy your last days in silence." Raven returned to his bird form with a squawk, the key now an ankle bracelet upon the bird. Raven tried to return to his human form, but was unable. Raven gave a large caw of displeasure, anger welling within him. Shadowy wisps trailed up Bellatrix's robes, making her seem even more menacing. She raised a hand surrounded by glowing black fire and snapped her fingers. The shadows converged upon Raven, transporting him outside. Once at the gate the shadows retreated, and Raven ruffled his feathers. It was going to be a long day.
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Dumbledore smiled as he finished mailing the creature/student status forms to the parents of Orpheus Dragic. He sat back in his seat and popped a lemon drop into his mouth. A large plume of fire signalled Fawkes return. Dumbledore frowned when he saw that she still had the package. Fawkes trilled lightly in response to his frown. Dumbledore grabbed a handful of floo powder and threw it into the fireplace adjacent to his desk. He carefully knelt down and stuck his head into the glowing green flames. He was met with the sight of Poppy's office, where she was currently reading.
"Poppy, could you please send Mr. Dragic up to my office. I am having some trouble locating his parents."
"I'm sorry Albus, but I dismissed both him and Mr. Potter over half an hour ago. I have no idea where they are." Poppy told him. Albus's brow furrowed. "I could send one of the assistants to go look for them, Headmaster." Albus shook his head.
"There is no need Poppy, I will find them myself." Albus removed himself from the fire and closed the connection. The Headmaster rose, dusted off his robes, and exited his office. The golden gargoyle from his end lowered, exposing the staircase. None of the things that flickered through his mind during the ride down prepared him for what awaited him at the bottom. Orpheus stood, supporting his weight against the wall, clutching at his left hand and wrist.
"Headmaster... please... help me." Orpheus's blue eyes rolled up into his head and he collapsed face first into the stone floor. Albus quickly hit a button on his left shoulder, and rolled Orpheus over, stemming the bleeding from the young boy's nose. Dumbledore cast a quick Episkey as Severus turned the corner in to the corridor.
"I came as soon as I was called. What can I aid you with Albus?" It was then that Severus noted Orpheus lying unconscious on the floor. Severus felt dread begin to boil in the pits of his stomach as he recalled what he had witnessed earlier. The chilling laugh of that monster was forever in his ears, the glowing hate burned into his eyelids. Adrian had not lied to him, but rather had warned him as any true Slytherin would. Severus dropped to a knee and removed Orpheus's right hand from his left. Underneath was charred, and rotting black flesh, oozing almost caramelized blood. Tenderness allowed itself to be shown as Severus lifted Orpheus into his arms. "Please tell Poppy to bring me an ounce of burn-healing paste, and some bandages. I need to brew a quick potion, and will most likely be in my lab." Severus departed, careful no to jostle the boy in his arms too much.
"Severus." The potions professor paused and looked back at the Headmaster. "Be wary of the potions you use. The boy is a mystery." Severus nodded, understanding that the boy he held possessed creature blood.
"I will speak with him when he awakes." Albus inclined his head and wet back up to his office to floo call Poppy.
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"I feel that today would be the best time to transport the prince to Halloween Town, while Malfoy is still confined to the Infirmary. It will avoid any damage he may cause, or anger the citizens will feel towards Harry." Faust suggested as he and Kidd finished their planning.
"While that plan is an excellent one, I'm afraid it will not do. Raven has been missing since this morning, and it already nearing nightfall. I don't think-" Kidd was interrupted by a loud ringing. Kidd removed a small hand mirror from his inside breast pocket and tapped the side thrice. Vladimir's large lilac eye appeared, startling Kidd. "Vlad, step back from the mirror, you are much to close." Vlad took a step back so that his whole face was showing.
"Kidd, come back now! Raven was found out at the Gates. He is stuck in raven form though and can't open the gate." Kidd pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Vlad, if the Gate is closed, how am I supposed to get back?" Vlad's eyes turned a deeper lilac.
"Kidd, but- I need, you have to-" Vlad steeled himself, his eyes turning light blue once more. "I'm coming over, set the mirror down."
"No, Vlad you are not coming over here." Vlad grinned.
"Three seconds." Vlad warned, zipping up his sweater.
"Vlad I told you-" Started Kidd.
"Too late." Vlad stepped through the mirror and landed on top of Kidd. Kidd angrily pushed the vampire boy off him, fixing his disarrayed suit before glowering down at said boy with burning yellow eyes. Vlad had the decency to look ashamed, then something caught his eye and he zipped to the other side of the room, completely forgetting about Kidd. Faust smiled at the vampire as he passed, receiving a quick, Hey Lock, in return. At that moment, Harry walked into the room. Trailing quietly behind him was Adrian, whom was staring at his hand in disgusted awe.
"What's up with Adrian?" Harry stiffened.
"Nothing." He responded tightly.
"Are you sure?" Faust asked. Harry whirled around, his red irises glowing brighter.
"I said NOTHING!" Harry took a large breath and continued on his way. Kidd carefully put away his hand mirror as he pondered the prince's actions. Today was not a good day. Not by a long shot.
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Severus spread the orange healing paste over the charred skin, careful not to peel any of it away. The potions master sighed as he wrapped up the boy's arm. The boy was releasing his fatherly instincts and did not like it one bit. Orpheus made a small noise and opened his eyes. His head tilted to look at Severus, curls falling across his face. The green gaze unnerved Severus. It was if the boy could see right through him. At last the by found his voice and asked where he was.
"You are in my lab Mr. Dragic. We need your parents to complete the correct forms in order for you to be allowed to attend classes. However, when they were sent, they returned without a response. Is there a reason for this?" Orpheus looked down and began to pick at the bandages. Severus glowered and grabbed the boy's wrist. Orpheus refused to meet the professor's eyes. "Orpheus."
"I can't tell any one where my mom is, they'll take her away!" Orpheus shouted with tears in his eyes. "You can't let them take my mom away! She doesn't even know that I am actually her son!" Orpheus began to cry, wiping his tears on his bandages. Severus's gaze softened and he released the boy's wrist.
"I will not let them take your mother away Orpheus. You have my word." Orpheus broke into a watery smile. "Although, how would it be possible for your mother not to know that you were hers?"
"She gave me up to be killed. She feared I would transform if she kept me, especially with where she lives. My guardian never did tell me how I escaped death, but I feel that he had something to do with it. My mom doesn't know that I'm the baby she gave up eleven years ago." Severus felt suspicion creep up his spine when he heard the word transform.
"We must fix your arm before I speak any further with you. In order to do this, I must inquire as to what creature you are." Orpheus scratched the back of his neck. He proceeded to inform Severus that in actuality he did not know what creature he was, as he was from Halloween Town. Severus nodded mutely and went to his fireplace to place a floo call to Dumbledore. The two discussed various topics until Albus suggested that he call over Jack Skellington.
"Jack Skellington is dead, Headmaster." Orpheus informed. Albus muttered something unintelligible to himself.
"Very well, we will get Harry to come down and take a look." Orpheus paled and stepped back, running into the lab table, effectively knocking over the potion. It fell to the floor with a loud crash, though Severus did not flinch.
"I do think that Orpheus wishes to see Mr. Potter nor Mr. Potter, Orpheus." Severus said calmly.
"Potter is dangerous." Orpheus said shakily. He looked up at Severus, regret in his eyes. "I am a trained assassin. I have fallen men four times my size with a single blow. However, today... I am frightened for my life, should I ever cross paths with Potter again." Albus looked at the boy with sorrowful blue eyes.
"If the things you have told me are true, you may never return home." Suffocating fear descended upon Orpheus. "For if Jack Skellington has passed away that makes Harry your King."
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Adrian ran through the hallways, not paying attention to where he was, or whom he crashed into. He felt pressured by time to leave the confines of the school. He had not stopped to tell the others of his departure. At least in the farewell, there would be no blood. For once in his life he felt regret for his actions, for once he wished he was still caged within the precincts of Harry's mind. He prayed for mercy to befall him. For the memories of what he had done to be washed away. He could not face what he had become. He was nothing more than an animal, a monster. He wished to remove his existence, to leave Harry to be happy with life instead of dealing with the after math of his mistakes.
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Harry scanned the hallway he was in before shadowing through the wall to the next room. This room yielded nothing as well. As Harry searched for Adrian, he recalled he mistake that had caused this.
'Instinctive calling, never-ending, kept bringing him closer.'
He had done it, but at what price. Now he was caught between life and death. Barely having gotten used to his identity as a wizard, a new one had been thrust upon him. Harry had no idea how things would lay out in the future. Would his dark half consume him? Would he fuse back with Adrian, forever locked away within the mind of that monster? Harry feared that Adrian would eventually take every one he loved form him, in a massive attack. Thoughts of being expelled, even execution crossed his mind. Would the past come back to haunt him? Arian was more powerful than he had originally imagined.
'The fear on Orpheus' face as Adrian slowly brought him into the shadow plane.'
Harry clutched at his head in pain, screaming loudly. Where were the voices coming from? Why did they torture him? Harry felt as if his mind were splitting down the middle. His eyes glowed brightly, making it feel as if they had caught fire. Something collided with him from the side, sending him flying into a tree. Harry shook his head and took in his surroundings. He was by the Whomping Willow, just barely out of its reach. In front of him was Orpheus, panting from the exertion from having pushing Harry out of the tree's path. The boy then turned face contorted in anger. Before a spell could spew forth from his lips, Orpheus was knocked away by a black blur. Adrian rose into the air and looked down at Harry.
"Why are you outside? You will get hurt." Harry wordlessly stared up at Adrian. Adrian snarled, but was hit with a purple spell that set him into the Whomping Willow. The shadow boy rose from the pile of leaves he had fallen in and looked in surprise at Orpheus. Orpheus gripped his wand tighter, fear on his face. Adrian began running towards Orpheus with a growl. Orpheus fired off three more spells, but Adrian had transformed himself into a green cloud of smoke, the beams of lights passing right through him. Orpheus nearly fainted as Adrian grasped his wrists, sending a shock through them. Harry rose from his position on the grass, ready to take on Adrian. Adrian seemed to sense this and laughed, quickly dispatching Harry with a shot of silver magic, but not before Harry was able to send a strong Expelliamus at him. Several older students noticed the fight happening at the edge of the forest and ran over to help, raising their wands. Adrian threw Orpheus away from him with a smirk, breathing in a large amount of air. Adrian released it with a large sonar pulse, similar to that of a bat, transporting the students to the other side of the school. Happy with his work Adrian grabbed a hold of Harry, lifting him up to eye level.
"Let go of me! I will never allow you to kill any one! You are not in control of me, you obey me!" Adrian laughed.
"You will turn out just as I did. It is who you are."
"I will never be anything like you." Harry stuck his tongue to the metal piercings in his lip, causing Adrian to clutch at his ears and fall to the ground, appearing as though he were made of static. A small metal trinket fell from the convulsing Adrian, causing Harry to stop. Harry walked over and picked up the small silver bells. Upon closer inspection, they seemed to be small flowers. Adrian lay on the ground comatose, a smile on his face. Harry turned to see what had become of Orpheus. Orpheus stood away from them, gazing at them with a wary eye. Harry stood taller. "It's okay. He can't hurt you now." Orpheus hesitantly approached Harry, wand in hand. Orpheus cast a spell, and Harry closed his eyes, waiting for impact. Instead, he felt a tingling across his cheek. Orpheus smiled at Harry, pocketed his wand, and dropped to one knee.
"Thank you, my King." Harry placed the bells into his pocket.
"I did this for myself, and I am not your King. I am just a kid." Orpheus stood, amazed at his King's modesty. A burning pain travelled through Orpheus's left arm and he gasped in pain. Harry seized Orpheus's hand and inspected the arm. Large intertwining streams of ink had engraved themselves into the skin, marking Orpheus as loyal. Harry felt his stomach churn, as he realized how similar to the Dark Mark that this occurrence was. He didn't know how long he could stand this pain, nor hide his face from the world. He was afraid, but they needed a leader and he had been chosen. He could no longer be afraid. It was time to take responsibility. "I take back what I said. I am your King, and you may forever count on me. But, for now, you must allow me to count on you." Orpheus nodded. Harry picked up his darker half, and began to walk towards the school, Orpheus trailing behind him. It was no longer a game; he had to choose. Would he defend those he loved, and those who relied on him, or in the end, as so may times before, would he walk away, leaving the problem for the sanctuary of purple skies, forcing Adrian out of rest, and into the real world. This world, this escape, was now nothing more than a broken promise. So many details, skilfully hidden from him, only to be revealed at just the right moment. The world needed a hero, not a kid afraid of his own shadow. Harry giggled at his own choice of words. A shadow that would risk everything to keep him safe, yet at the same time pushing everyone one else away, like a beast protecting the key to immortality. Harry gasped as he realized he had just pieced together another part of the mystery. The new king of Halloween began running across the field, Orpheus effortlessly keeping up with him. Harry didn't bother to stop at the doors, instead just shadowing through them and running up the staircase. He dropped off Adrian, leaving him in the care of Faust, but of course not without threat of what would happen to said boy if harm befell his shadowy counterpart. Harry turned heel and ran back down the stairs, passing a now panting Orpheus. He practically flew through the corridors, pausing only to avoid detection by Filch. He flung open the doors of the Infirmary, walked to the curtained off area, and was met to an empty bed. Madame Pomfrey came up behind him, a stern look on her face.
"May I help you, Mr. Potter?" she asked, hands on her hips.
"Where's Hermione? I need to talk to her."
"I do believe she said something about needing to find Mr. Weasley." Another piece clicked into place.
"Of course."
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Orpheus gripped the silver glove he wore, pulling it up into position and entered Severus' lab without knocking. Orpheus waved at Severus with his right hand, hiding his left behind his back. Severus scowled at the boy, clearly disapproving the at home feeling that his lab produced for the boy. Orpheus sat on the nearby couch and grabbed a book for the nearby shelf, content to be around the adult he trusted most. Before, Severus had meant to tell the boy that he was welcome anytime he wanted, but he hadn't not expecting the boy to take up his offer regardless. Orpheus had seen through Severus's hesitation, but did not mind that the professor never spoke of his feelings around him. Orpheus knew that Severus had never been able to speak his mind when he needed to the most. In addition, coupled with the fact that Orpheus himself never had the spine to tell those he cared and respected to stay close to him, for fear that, they would vanish, and that he would be left alone once more. In reality, his head was his worse enemy, never allowing him security, or comfort when he required it. At last, when Severus was at a stage in which he could leave his potion unattended, they spoke.
"How did it go, Orpheus?" the boy smiled at the use of his first name, but then the smile faded as he recalled what happened.
"Something big is going to happen. I don't know what it is but I can just..." Orpheus's eyes flashed green. ", sense it, and he needs my help to do it. He told me himself before he went running off like a bloody madman."
"Language." Severus warned.
"English, sir." Orpheus responded cheekily. Severus mentally rolled his eyes, at the same time berating himself for foolishly setting himself up for such a horrible pun.
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Adrian awoke slowly, red eyes filled with confusion. He surveyed his surrounding area, to find that he was lying on the couch in the Room of Requirement. His head seemed to be elevated, so he turned his eyes upward to find that his head was resting on Faust's right leg. The devil-boy payed him no mind, immersed in the book he was reading. A piece of hair fluttered down into Faust's face, making him go cross-eyed. Adrian felt something click within him, and was overloaded with a sense of possession, but not for the boy, for the monster that was trapped behind innocent blue eyes. Faust turned to him, and reeled back in surprise. Adrian smiled lopsidedly at him. Faust hesitantly smiled back, marking his page in his book. Faust quietly cleared his throat, not looking at Adrian.
"Are you feeling better?" Faust asked, standing from the couch.
"Immensely, though I am hungry. Let's go find the kitchens for something to eat." Adrian responded as he too stood. Faust looked at his book longingly, but agreed, remembering his promise to watch over Adrian.
"Alright, let's go." Adrian grinned and grabbed Faust's wrist.
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Harry finally arrived at Gryffindor tower; he quickly spoke the password and entered under a guise of darkness. Sticking to the shadows of the room, Harry moved himself towards the dorms. Scanning the Commons one last time Harry took up the stairs, searching for his dorm. He went into the dorm, shutting the door behind him. Seamus and Ron were sitting on the floor, a chessboard between them. Ron grinned and confidentially moved a piece. Seamus looked at the board, defeated. Harry scanned the board with a critical eye, grinning as he saw an opening.
"Mind if I make a move?" Ron and Seamus looked up in surprise. Harry walked over and knelt down, moving the knight left two and forward one, effectively breaking the intricate trap Ron had built around Seamus's stranded king. Ron's eyes bugged out of his head, as he tried to move without placing any piece in danger. Seamus didn't turn away from Harry, having no clue as to his identity.
"Ron." He hissed. "Who is this guy?" Ron looked up at Harry who inclined his head slightly, giving the go ahead.
"It's Harry." Seamus's brow furrowed, voices lofting from his mind, a memory cover close to shattering. "He's the Prince of Halloween." The Irish boy gasped, memories flooding his senses.
"I knew something wasn't right! Oh good god, all those holiday figures are real! Santa, the Easter bunny, The Pumpkin King, all of them are real! I think I'm going to be sick." Seamus ran to the bathroom, hand clutching his stomach.
"Great, you broke him." Harry rolled his eyes at Ron.
"I think I know what that dog is guarding. Let me see one of your Dumbledore cards." Ron turned over and went to his trunk, sliding out a separate compartment. He quickly flipped through his array of cards, finding one of Albus Dumbledore. He handed it over to Harry.
"I don't know how having a card is going to help us." Ron admitted.
"Considered by many the greatest wizard of modern times, Dumbledore is particularly famous for his defeat of the Dark Wizard Grindelwald in 1945, for the discovery of the twelve uses of dragons blood, and his work on alchemy with his partner, Nicolas Flamel. Professor Dumbledore enjoys chamber music and ten-pin bowling." Harry read aloud.
"Okay..." Harry slapped a hand to his forehead.
"Remember when we went to Hagrid's hut?"
"Yeah..."
"You mentioned Flamel, something to do with your brother?"
"Yeah, I said that he was telling me that Flamel actually visited his sector with his wife. He was amazed that a 664 year old was able to calm a rampant dragon."
"Didn't you notice that he changed the subject after you mentioned it?" Ron gave him a blank look. "Where's Hermione?"
"She's up in the girl's dorm." Seamus came back, feeling a bit better and sat on his bed.
"Well that's no help."
"Oh, she gave me the book, to give to you." Ron and Harry looked at one another.
"What?" they said in unison.
"You guys are talking about the book Hermione told you guys to return, right?" Seamus asked, clutching a thin, but large tome in his hand, a dog printed bookmark inside of it. Harry smiled, glad for Hermione's cunning.
"Yes, I almost forgot. Thanks." Harry took the book from Seamus and flipped it open to the bookmark. He quickly scanned the page and smiled triumphantly. He now knew what was hidden, but he still didn't know why, or why a cerberus was guarding it. It wasn't like anyone in Hogwarts wanted to steal it.
. . . . . . .TBWLTBPK . . . . . .
Neville blearily opened his eyes, confused and disoriented. He was covered in bandages, and his face was covered in scars. His left eye had a scratch across it, running over the eyelid, rather than the cornea. No sooner than he realized this, a green mist surrounded him. The bandages fell away like brittle leaves, and his scars faded, with the exception of the one running over his eye. Neville cracked his back and stood, feeling empowered and confident for once in his life. He felt something stirring in his heart as it clenched. He was sure his parents would be proud of him. The green mist faded away as Madame Pomfrey entered to check on him. She marvelled at his quick recovery.
"Really you must allow me to heal that scar." She insisted. Neville shook his head.
"No thank you, I think it makes me look cool." The nurse hesitated, but allowed the boy to leave, warning him that curfew was approaching. Neville thanked the nurse and ran from the infirmary. Once outside he slowed to a walk and realized he didn't have any of his stuff. He was sure it hadn't been in the infirmary, which left only one option. The hallway where his greatest dream had turned into a nightmare. Surprisingly it did not scare him in the slightest, ad he walked towards the hallway with a calm set face. He did not know what it was but he felt calmer, stronger, and mostly importantly, prouder. He smiled, for once in his life, happy.
. . . . . . .TBWLTBPK . . . . . .
Kidd treaded through the hallway quietly, searching for Vlad. He paused as a shadow shifted to his right. He smirked, orange eyes reflecting the fire of the pillars eerily. He took a few more steps; just enough to pass yet another shadow, and this one flickered as well. Kidd folded his hands behind his back and began to walk towards the staircase confidentially. He assumed that Vlad had gotten lost, and was know relying on him to lead him back to the room. He heard the shuffle of cloth moving in the breeze, and paused. 'Get him.' He heard a voice hiss. In the blink of an eye, Kidd seized his guns in either hand and pointed them at his target. The man held up his hands in fear, trembling like a leaf. Kidd's eyes twitched when he realized the man's purple headwear was not wrapped symmetrically, but he refrained himself from throwing a tantrum.
"P-p-please, d-don't kill m-me." Quirrel whimpered. Kidd frowned. This was the lame-o Defence Professor who kept garlic in his turban. Kidd rolled his eyes, and as he did, he saw Vlad hanging upside down from the support beams, in a crouch. There was a mad hunger in his eyes as he eyed the Professor. The boy's fangs glistened in the moonlight. Quirrel felt a drip on his nose and looked up, emitting a large scream. Vlad leaped, only to be blasted away by a soul beam from Kidd's gun. Vlad flew across the hallway, rolling to a stop just short of the corner. Quirrel stood there, glancing uneasily between the boy and the vampire. Kidd raised an eyebrow.
"Do you want to be next?" Quirrel ran, tripping over his robes repeatedly. Kidd stared at Vlad's prone form for a moment before walking over, rolling up his sleeve as he did so. He sat next to the vampire as he woke, eyes dilated. Kidd held his arm up in front of the boy's face and the expression of wild hunger left to be replaced with one of tenderness, and thankfulness. Kidd winced as Vlad's fangs broke the skin, but other than that, the experience was not one of pain.
"You should have stayed in Halloween Town, there your cravings to not take over." Vlad paused, ashamed.
"I'm sorry." Kidd nodded, showing he understood.
. . . . . . .TBWLTBPK . . . . . .
Lock was silent as he walked through the castle with Adrian, reflecting on his thoughts. The things Kidd had said had truly hurt him. He loved his mom dearly, with all of his being. His dreams had been shattered with his words. With his decision to end his life after his duty was over, he had tossed those dreams to the wind, ashes floating over his place of peace. Adrian glanced at the devil-boy, sparingly, the monster inside no longer present. The shadow boy narrowed his eyes, wondering what was going through the boy's mind.
Faust sat away from the other children calmly eating his food. He was perhaps no older than three, but had already made enemies among his peers. The other boys snickered, looking his way. Faust didn't look over, he knew that they were bragging that they knew their parents. Faust had never heard his mother's voice. His world was full of silence. He chose not to speak, and none chose to speak to him.
Lock grabbed his mask, holding on to it for comfort. Adrian grinned, feeling the beast stir. He was glad for it. The beast would make Lock stronger, would reignite his will to live. Adrian felt possession curl into his mind once more. He wanted the beast for himself.
Eric nervously looked over the orphanage he had been dropped off at by the state appointed officer. Faust looked down at him from the window noting the lost boy with interest. He seemed to be at least five, two years younger than he was. Faust looked back into the building. The caretaker was nowhere in sight, most likely hanging out with her boyfriend. Faust rolled his blue eyes in disgust and jumped down from the window landing in front of Eric with a catlike grace. The officer was startled but Eric grinned, nearly reaching from ear to ear. Faust led the boy inside, ignoring the protests of the officer. The other children turned to them, sneers crawling across their faces. Faust ignored them and Eric followed suit. An aluminium can was thrown at Faust, and he paused, blue eyes burning with fury. He went to turn around but Eric shook his head slightly. Faust released a breath of pent up air and continued to walk.
Lock smiled lightly, remembering his and Barrel's first meeting. Adrian tapped him on the shoulder and Lock looked over in surprise, not realizing he had reached the kitchen. Lock tilted his head staring at the picture of fruit. He turned to Adrian, wordlessly asking how to get in. Adrian grabbed Lock's hand with a smile shadowing them through. Lock released Adrian's hand quickly, not liking the feeling it gave him. Adrian snapped an order at a terrified House-Elf and kindly asked him what he wanted.
"Just tea would be fine." Adrian nodded. A House-Elf brought them their food and Lock thanked them quietly. In the silence, Lock reflected on what had brought him to Halloween Town.
Faust tossed and turned in his bed anger consuming him in his sleep. They had hurt Eric ad it angered him. Eric was his friend not just another child in the rundown building that was run by an irresponsible twenty year old. Faust gripped the sheets, orange flames leaving his hands. The sudden heat jolted Faust awake and he screamed in terror. His hands were on fire, yet it did not burn him. The bed burst into an inferno, knocking him to the ground. The smoke was floating to the ceiling. Faust ran through the smoke to the lower rooms where Eric was staying, for he had broken a bone. He grabbed his friend and dragged him out of the building just as it burst to flames, a large explosion sending debris flying over their heads. Faust shielded his friend, feeling something rip through his back. The clattering of something harder than wood on the concrete made Eric and Faust to look up. The charred remains of the others were falling down onto the sidewalk. Eric gave a small scream of fear burying his face in Faust's shoulder. Faust cried, knowing that he had caused this but not how. He felt something enter his back forcefully, making him cry out.
That was all that Lock remembered of that day. The papers had made a hero of him, but in his heart, he knew he had caused the accident of purpose; that the monster hidden within him had gotten revenge. He stared pensively at his tea.
"Are you okay?" the voice cause him to drop his teacup with a clatter, the delicate thing shattering into about seven pieces. Lock looked up at Adrian.
"If I only knew how to pull myself apart, I would be."
"Why would you want to do that?" Adrian asked in concern.
"So I won't be lost again."
. . . . . . .TBWLTBPK . . . . . .
Harry travelled back to the Room of requirement, Kidd and Vlad seated on the couch, the latter sleeping. Kidd looked up from his book and gestured for him to take a seat. Harry knew that they were to discuss his form. He was now the King it was his responsibility. "Before you say anything, I know what I want to become." Kidd quirked an eyebrow.
"Are you sure?" Harry hesitated, and then slumped. "We have arranged several meetings for you to go to; unfortunately we are not able to cross over to Halloween town because the Gate is locked."
"Well, can't someone just unlock it?" Harry asked in confusion. Harry heard a whisper fill the room. It called out, repeatedly. Listen, listen it called, puppeteering him by his heartstrings. The rain started to fall outside, the walls became glass and as each drop of rain died against the pane of glass, a secret was released. Harry caught them, gaining their stories, and their secrets as his own. Harry stood and pressed his fingers against the glass, heart clenching painfully, tears dripping down his face. They wanted to stay with him, and they found it hard to say goodbye to him, he cried to be one of them. Kidd pulled Harry away from the window.
"It will do you no good; the one who speaks to you is malevolent." The sweetest of words met his ears, and told him to open his eyes to the love around him. That he could achieve his dreams, all he had to do was listen.
"She only wants her son." Harry answered turning away nonetheless. "I have to get to Halloween Town, can't I just shadow there like last time?"
"No, we found the last time that you arrived that Oogie had unlocked the Gate. No one can leave or enter if the Gate is locked." Harry sat down to think, knowing that there was a way around this. He absentmindedly played with his necklace, and then it occurred to him.
"Lilith, she was able to get over here and back with the Gate locked. Is there anyway I can contact her?" Kidd frowned.
"Yes, but I don't recommend that you do it." Kidd told him. Harry shook his head.
"I have to, time is running out, and I have to be ready." Kidd paused conflict written across his face.
"Alright, copy me."
. . . . . . .TBWLTBPK . . . . . .
Orpheus grabbed his arm in pain, hiding his discomfort from the man across the room. He risked a peak at it and wished he hadn't, for without the silver glove covering it, his arm shone as brightly as flame. Severus looked over, eyes widening in surprise.
"Orpheus, what is going on?" Orpheus looked at him grimly, eyes a cold green.
. . .
Lock's mask raised itself into the air and started to spin, glowing a bright orange, while Adrian himself was pulsing silver. The House-Elves ran amongst themselves, scared for their lives. Shock and Barrel entered the kitchen, their masks glowing as well. They acknowledged each other seriously.
. . .
Vlad stirred from his sleep, feeling an itch on his left wrist. He scratched at it, confused as to why it was glowing orange instead of its customary lilac. His head snapped over to where Harry was completing a calling portal.
. . .
Seven voices rang out in unison as the moon reached its peak on September 28th.
"It begins."
A/N Please Review!